The two of them were late. As usual.
Eric picked a place in Malibu, right on the water. He told his parents that there was a two month waiting list for this restaurant.
I could believe it. The restaurant overlooked the ocean. The Chef had trained with the finest chefs in New Orleans, New York and Paris.
We sat at the bar and the aromas came drifting in from the kitchen--the smells were incredible. My mouth started watering, involuntarily.
"I'm starving," I said.
Mrs. Espinosa poked my ribs. "That's good. You need to put some meat on your bones. Eric?"
"Yes, mother?"
"You should have let me cook for you tonight. I would have made your favorites. Some nice chowder, steamed corn and crabs."
"I wanted to take you and dad out somewhere nice your first day here."
Eric kissed his mother on the cheek.
I scanned the place. The restaurant looked like an A-list party. Anybody who's anybody was here having dinner.
Mr. Espinosa sipped an imported beer and looked around the room. "Is that Ernest Borgnine?"
It was the wine steward.
"I don't think so," I said to him. "There's Sandra Bullock over there."
"Don't know her," he said. "Didn't you just love him in 'Marty'?"
"Who?"
"Ernest Borgnine. He's got to be the ugliest man on the planet, but damn it if he isn't a great actor. "
"'McHale's Navy'," said Greg. "I loved that show!"
My friends had come to rescue me.
Seeing the two of them, Eric looked like he'd just smelled a fart. "What are you guys doing here?"
"Fran invited us," said Drew. "Is THAT all right with you?"
Mr. Espinoza slapped Eric on the shoulder. "Sure it's alright! Anybody who likes 'McHale's Navy' is okay in my book."
The four of them started to whistle the theme song.
"Tim Conway was in that show?" asked Greg. "Wasn't he, Mr. Espinoza?"
"Yes," Mr. Espinoza said. "He was. Call me Marco. This is Eric's mama, Gloria."
"Hi, Gloria," the two of them said.
"Hi, fellas."
Marco led them to the bar. "Let me buy you guys a beer."
"Thanks," said Drew and Greg.
The bartender came up, noticed Greg and smiled.
"You know him?" asked Marco.
"I'm not sure," Greg said. "I think I've slept with him."
Everyone looked at Greg. Eric covered his face with his hands. Then Marco started to laugh.
"Luigi," he said to Eric. "Your friend here cracks me up."
LUIGI?
